Busselton rising star Blake Murdoch has been recruited to the under 13 WA state hockey team and will be jetting off to Hobart to compete in the 2018 Australian Championships next month. The young gun joined Hockey WA’s under 13 junior development program in November last year, with more than 450 other hockey players. As part of the program, the players took part in training sessions, carnivals and a series of tough trials before 32 boys and 32 girls were chosen for the state teams. Murdoch said with 64 players selected, two boys and girls teams from Hockey WA will travel to Tasmania to face other other teams from around the country. With hockey in his blood it is no surprise Murdoch has progressed to the under 15 squad and will commence training when he returns from Hobart. “I started playing hockey when I was three years old,” he said. “I started playing because everyone in my family played hockey - my mum, dad, brother, uncle and cousin. “When I started playing the great game, I played in the under eight’s competition in Busselton, playing for Geographe Primary School for two years and was also training with my friends under 11’s team. “Next, I was playing for the Hurricanes for three years and then played for Georgiana Molloy Anglican School for a further two years.” Murdoch said in his final year in the under 11’s division he was recruited to play in the under 13’s competition winning a grand final. “Last year I was lucky enough to play for GMAS under 13’s team, also winning the grand final,” he said. “This year I’m playing for Marist in the Bunbury Association and my team are playing in the grand final this weekend. “I am really looking forward to going to Hobart and playing for WA because it will be my first state team and my first time going to Hobart. I am also looking forward to meeting new people and playing at a higher level. “I would like to acknowledge the support I have received from the Busselton Lions Club, City of Busselton, Bunbury Hockey Association, Marist Hockey Club and those who have assisted with my fundraising efforts.”

WA's state hockey team recruits Busselton young gun

Busselton young gun Blake Murdoch was recruited to the under 13's WA state hockey team. Photo by Emma Kirk.

Busselton rising star Blake Murdoch has been recruited to the under 13 WA state hockey team and will be jetting off to Hobart to compete in the 2018 Australian Championships next month.

The young gun joined Hockey WA’s under 13 junior development program in November last year, with more than 450 other hockey players.

As part of the program, the players took part in training sessions, carnivals and a series of tough trials before 32 boys and 32 girls were chosen for the state teams.

Murdoch said with 64 players selected, two boys and girls teams from Hockey WA will travel to Tasmania to face other other teams from around the country.

With hockey in his blood it is no surprise Murdoch has progressed to the under 15 squad and will commence training when he returns from Hobart.

“I started playing hockey when I was three years old,” he said.

“I started playing because everyone in my family played hockey - my mum, dad, brother, uncle and cousin.

“When I started playing the great game, I played in the under eight’s competition in Busselton, playing for Geographe Primary School for two years and was also training with my friends under 11’s team.

“Next, I was playing for the Hurricanes for three years and then played for Georgiana Molloy Anglican School for a further two years.”

Murdoch said in his final year in the under 11’s division he was recruited to play in the under 13’s competition winning a grand final.

“Last year I was lucky enough to play for GMAS under 13’s team, also winning the grand final,” he said.

“This year I’m playing for Marist in the Bunbury Association and my team are playing in the grand final this weekend.

“I am really looking forward to going to Hobart and playing for WA because it will be my first state team and my first time going to Hobart. I am also looking forward to meeting new people and playing at a higher level.

“I would like to acknowledge the support I have received from the Busselton Lions Club, City of Busselton, Bunbury Hockey Association, Marist Hockey Club and those who have assisted with my fundraising efforts.”